Publication ethics

At EWA Publishing, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in academic publishing. This statement outlines our expectations for authors, reviewers, and editors to ensure the quality and credibility of the content we publish.

Authors' responsibilities

Originality and authorship

Authors must ensure that their submissions are original works and have not been published elsewhere in substantially the same form. All authors listed on a manuscript must have made a significant contribution to the research and its writing. Plagiarism, in any form, is strictly prohibited.

Acknowledgment of contributors

Individuals who contributed to the work but do not meet the criteria for authorship should be listed in the acknowledgments section. Contributions can include technical assistance, writing assistance, or general support.

Accuracy and honesty

Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the data and information presented in their manuscripts. Falsification, fabrication, or misrepresentation of research results is considered serious misconduct.

Citation and referencing

Proper citation and referencing of previous work is essential. Authors must give credit to all sources of information and ideas used in their manuscripts.

Multiple submissions and duplicate publication

Authors should not submit the same manuscript to multiple conferences or publishers simultaneously, nor should they republish their own previously published work without appropriate justification and disclosure.

Disclosure of conflicts of interest

Authors are obligated to disclose any and all potential conflicts of interest that might have the potential to exert an influence, either directly or indirectly, on the interpretation, conduct, or reporting of their research. This includes financial interests, personal relationships, or professional affiliations that could introduce bias. Failure to disclose conflicts of interest may lead to the reconsideration or retraction of the published work.
For more information about the authors' policies, please refer to the Policies for authors.

Reviewers' responsibilities

Objectivity and confidentiality

Reviewers are expected to evaluate manuscripts objectively and without bias. They must keep the contents of the manuscripts confidential and not use the information for personal gain or disclose it to others.

Timeliness and thoroughness

Reviews should be completed in a timely manner and provide comprehensive and constructive feedback to assist authors in improving their manuscripts.

Declaration of conflicts of interest

Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to provide an impartial review.

For more information about the reviewers' policies, please refer to the Policies for reviewers.

Data sharing and reproducibility

Data sharing

Authors are encouraged to make their research data publicly available to facilitate verification and replication of their findings. The following guidelines apply:

• Data Availability: Authors should provide access to all data necessary to support the conclusions of their study. This includes raw data, processed data, and any relevant metadata.
• Data Repositories: Data should be deposited in a recognized public repository where applicable. Examples include [repository names relevant to your field].
• Access Information: Authors must include a data availability statement in their manuscript, specifying where the data can be accessed and any restrictions to access, if applicable.
• Exceptions: If data cannot be shared due to ethical, legal, or privacy concerns, authors must provide a detailed explanation in their data availability statement and describe any steps taken to address these issues.

Reproducibility

Authors must ensure that their research is reproducible. The following practices are required:

• Methodological Details: Provide a detailed description of the methods and procedures used in the research to allow others to replicate the study. This includes specifying equipment, software, and protocols.
• Code and Algorithms: When applicable, authors should share any software code, algorithms, or computational models used in their research. Code should be deposited in a public repository or included as supplementary material.
• Reproducibility Statement: Include a statement in the manuscript indicating whether the study's findings have been independently reproduced, and if so, provide details. If not, describe any steps taken to ensure reproducibility.

Supplementary materials

Authors are encouraged to provide supplementary materials that enhance the transparency and reproducibility of their research. These materials may include:

• Raw data files.
• Detailed protocols and procedures.
• Software code and scripts.
• Additional figures, tables, or information that supports the research.

Responsibilities of authors

Authors are responsible for:

• Ensuring that all shared data and materials comply with relevant legal, ethical, and privacy regulations.
• Providing accurate and complete information in their data availability and reproducibility statements.
• Addressing any issues related to data sharing or reproducibility raised during the review process.

Review process

During the review process, the journal may request access to the data, code, or supplementary materials to verify the validity and reproducibility of the research findings.

Enforcement and compliance

The journal reserves the right to take appropriate action if there are concerns about compliance with the data sharing and reproducibility policy. This may include:

• Requesting additional information or clarification from the authors.
• Retracting the publication if serious issues with data sharing or reproducibility are identified.
• Notifying relevant institutions or funding agencies if necessary.

Handling complaints and appeals

Submission of complaints

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office via the journal's official contact email.The complaint should include:

• A detailed description of the issue.
• Any relevant evidence or documentation.
• The desired outcome or resolution.

Acknowledgment of complaints

The journal will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within [X] working days.

The complainant will be informed of the process and timeline for addressing the complaint.

Investigation process

The Complaints Resolution Team of the Editorial Office of the journal will review the complaint and may consult with editorial board members or external experts as necessary.

If the complaint involves the Editor-in-Chief, the complaint will be handled by a senior editorial board member or an independent third party.

Resolution

The journal will aim to resolve the complaint within [Y] weeks of acknowledgment.

The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the complainant in writing, detailing the findings and any corrective actions to be taken.

Possible outcomes include:

• Upholding the original decision or action.
• Correcting errors or omissions in the editorial process.
• Offering an apology if the complaint is upheld.
• Retraction or correction of published content if necessary.

Appeals process

If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, they may appeal the decision.

Appeals must be submitted within [Z] days of receiving the resolution and must include:

• A detailed explanation of why the resolution is unsatisfactory.
• Any new evidence or arguments that were not considered during the initial investigation.

Handling of appeals

Appeals will be reviewed by an independent panel, which may include members of the editorial board not involved in the original decision.

The panel will reassess the case and may seek additional input from external experts.

The decision of the appeals panel is final and will be communicated to the complainant within [X] weeks.

Misconduct and sanctions

Any form of misconduct, including plagiarism, data manipulation, false claims of authorship, and violation of publication ethics, will be investigated seriously. If misconduct is confirmed, appropriate sanctions may include retraction, notification to the authors' institutions, and public disclosure of misconduct.

Submission of allegations

Allegations of research misconduct should be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office via the journal’s official contact email.

The submission should include:

• A detailed description of the alleged misconduct.
• Relevant evidence or documentation supporting the claim.
• The names of any individuals involved, if known.

Acknowledgment of allegations

The journal will acknowledge receipt of the allegation within [X] working days and inform the complainant of the process and timeline for addressing the issue.

Preliminary assessment

The Editor-in-Chief will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if the allegation falls within the journal’s scope and warrants a full investigation.

If the allegation is deemed frivolous or lacks sufficient evidence, the complainant will be informed of the decision.

Investigation process

If a full investigation is warranted, the Editor-in-Chief will:

• Appoint an investigation committee comprising members of the editorial board or independent experts.
• Notify the authors of the allegation and provide them an opportunity to respond.
• Collect and review all relevant evidence and documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality throughout the investigation process.

Resolution

The investigation committee will:

• Assess the evidence and determine whether the allegation is substantiated.
• Prepare a report with findings and recommendations.
• Submit the report to the Editor-in-Chief, who will make the final decision on the case.

Possible outcomes

Based on the investigation, possible outcomes may include:

• No action if the allegation is not substantiated.
• Correction or retraction of the publication if misconduct is confirmed.
• Notification to the relevant institution if necessary.
• Measures to address any ethical lapses in the research process.

Ethical oversight

Ethical guidelines for research involving human participants

Comprehensive ethical guidelines must be strictly followed when conducting research involving human participants. This includes obtaining informed consent, ensuring privacy and confidentiality, and minimizing any potential risks or harm.

Ethical norms for animal research

All animal research undergoes rigorous ethical review to guarantee the welfare and proper treatment of the animals involved, in line with recognized ethical standards.

Ethical principles for data collection and processing

Data must be collected and processed with integrity, accuracy, and transparency, obtained legally and ethically, and handled in a way that respects the rights and interests of all concerned.

Ethical considerations in research methods

Only ethical, valid, and reliable research approaches should be employed, and any questionable or unethical research practices are thoroughly examined and discouraged.

Ethical responsibilities during the publication process

During the publication process, ethical responsibilities cannot be overlooked. The authenticity, originality, and ethical soundness of submitted works must be ensured, and plagiarism and unethical manipulation of research results are strictly prohibited.

Disclosure and management of conflicts of interest

Authors and reviewers are obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and effective mechanisms have been established to manage and address such disclosures.

Review and supervision mechanisms

Robust review and supervision mechanisms have been established to monitor and evaluate the ethical compliance of research and publication activities.

Handling of violations

In the event of ethical violations, prompt and appropriate actions will be taken, which may include retraction of published works, sanctions against the responsible parties, and public notification.

Adherence to international and professional ethical standards

We remain committed to complying with international and professional ethical standards in the field of research and publication, constantly evolving and adapting to new ethical challenges and developments.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property rights are held in the highest regard. It is expected that authors will do the same. A commitment is made to respecting and upholding the rights of all creators and innovators, ensuring that their work is protected and appropriately recognized.

Any violations of intellectual property rights, such as plagiarism, unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, or infringement of patents, will not be tolerated. Such violations will result in severe consequences, including the immediate rejection of the manuscript, potential legal actions, and public notification of the violation to safeguard the integrity of the academic and intellectual property landscape.

Post-publication discussions

Constructive post-publication discussions are wholeheartedly encouraged and actively fostered as they play a vital role in the continuous advancement and refinement of knowledge. These discussions offer an opportunity for the scientific community to engage in critical thinking, provide diverse perspectives, and build upon the published research.

All post-publication discussions must adhere to the principles of respect, professionalism, and scientific rigor. Participants are expected to maintain a civil and collegial tone, base their comments on sound evidence and logical reasoning, and contribute to a productive and scholarly discourse that enriches the academic conversation.

Corrections and retractions

Corrections are made when minor but significant errors or inaccuracies are identified that do not fundamentally compromise the core conclusions or integrity of the study. These corrections may include typographical errors, mislabeled figures or tables, or minor methodological clarifications.

Retractions are considered in cases of more severe issues such as significant methodological flaws, proven misconduct, irreproducible results that undermine the validity of the findings, or other circumstances that cast doubt on the reliability and credibility of the published work. The decision to retract is made through a careful and deliberative process that involves a comprehensive evaluation by the editorial team, consultation with relevant experts, and, when necessary, input from the broader academic community.

If the author requests to change the content of the article or retract it, please contact the publisher's email to inform the specific requirements. Please note that if the article has been published online and submitted for database indexing, it cannot be retracted.

Ensuring integrity of scholarly literature

The journal is firmly committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly literature it publishes. We have established clear policies and rigorous procedures to handle various integrity-related issues that may arise.

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Any submission found to contain plagiarized content will be immediately rejected. In cases where plagiarism is identified in a published article, appropriate actions will be taken, which may include retraction of the article and notification to the relevant authorities.
• Citation manipulation, such as inappropriate self-citation or citation padding, is considered a serious violation. If it is a minor case of citation manipulation, the article may be required to undergo revision and correction. For severe cases, the article might be retracted, and the authors will be subject to corresponding penalties.
• Data falsification or fabrication is an unethical practice that will not be tolerated. If there is evidence of such misconduct, a thorough investigation will be initiated. If the allegations are substantiated, the article will be retracted, and the authors may face sanctions.
• Significant errors in research methods will also be dealt with seriously. If the error affects the validity and reliability of the research results, the article may need to be revised or retracted. The decision will be based on a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the error.
• Researchers are required to ensure the preservation and traceability of research data. All data used in the research must be accurately recorded and stored for a reasonable period to allow for potential verification and review. The data should be organized and documented in a clear and accessible manner to facilitate its traceability and reanalysis if necessary.
• We have established a reporting mechanism for academic misconduct. Anyone who suspects or discovers potential academic misconduct is encouraged to report it to a designated email address or contact person. All reports will be treated confidentially, and a fair and impartial investigation will be conducted promptly.

In cases where integrity concerns arise, a dedicated committee will be formed to conduct a comprehensive review. We will continuously strive to improve and adapt our policies and procedures to address emerging challenges and evolving standards in the academic publishing landscape.

Post-publication Discussion and Correction Policy

EWA Publishing encourages ongoing dialogue around published articles. We support discussions on third-party platforms like PubPeer, where readers and researchers can engage in constructive critique, raise concerns, or provide additional insights into the published work. This open dialogue helps ensure that research remains dynamic and can evolve with new findings and feedback.

Corrections:

Erratum: An erratum is issued when significant errors introduced during the production or publication process (such as typographical or formatting issues) need to be corrected. These errors do not affect the scientific content or conclusions of the article.

Corrigendum: If the authors discover errors in their own work post-publication that require correction but do not alter the overall conclusions of the research, they may request the publication of a corrigendum. This ensures that minor mistakes are transparently addressed.

Retraction: In cases of severe ethical misconduct, such as plagiarism or fundamental flaws in the research that undermine the validity of the findings, EWA Publishing will retract the article. A formal retraction notice will be issued to inform the readers of the reasons behind the retraction.